Trio faces alleged assault charges over Christmas money
A dispute over Christmas money led to an alleged altercation and robbery in March involving four men in Luzerne Township.
State police said as Justin Samol was driving March 20 to his residence on Chesnut Street in Hiller, he was followed by a black car.
The complaint said when the black car stopped to block Samol from his residence, Paul Mickey exited the vehicle.
Police allege that Mickey spit on Samol’s car and began yelling at him. Mickey then opened the door to Samol’s vehicle and allegedly reached inside and punched him, police said.
The complaint said Samol exited his vehicle and allegedly grabbed Mickey.
Donald Wesley Murray and Chad Kudyba got out of Mickey’s car, the complaint said.
Police allege that Samol was hit from behind with a hard object, perhaps a metal pipe, and knocked unconscious. When Samol regained consciousness, he was allegedly being kicked and punched by Mickey, Murray and Kudyba, the complaint said.
Police allege that Samol heard Mickey tell the others to grab Samol’s wallet and keys. The three men allegedly fled the scene and Samol called the police, the complaint said.
Police said Samol suffered a bruise to his right ear.
When Mickey was interviewed later by police, Mickey said he went to Samol’s house over a $150 debt from two Christmases ago, so he got into a scuffle with him, police allege.
According to court documents, Mickey, 30, of Grindstone, along with Murray, 21, of Hiller and Kudyba, 40, of Brownsville were charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit theft, conspiracy to commit simple assault, simple assault and disorderly conduct.
Police arrested the trio on Monday and they were arraigned Tuesday by Magisterial District Court Judge Mike Defino Jr., who set each of their bonds at $50,000 unsecured.
Their hearing is scheduled for April 20.